Wind, dry weather lead fast-moving fire near Tualatin house

Drivers along the busy highway dialed 911 after witnessing large flames moving toward a home.

Firefighters from King City Station 35 extinguished the fire before the flames could spread to the residence.

Investigators later learned that a property owner near the Tualatin National Wildlife Refuge was burning blackberry bushes on his property near the road when the wind changed, fanning the flames and spreading the fire the a nearby field.

'Even in the winter, the grass is dry enough to burn,' said TVF and R spokesman Brian Barker. 'Combine this unusual dry spell with the wind we're getting today and you have a recipe for fast-moving fires. This is a good reminder to use extreme caution with fire year round.'